Possible (hopefull) stellar macro setup...but lighting?

[Buddha Jones]

In regards to my VIV105 issue, it seems that Trader Jim and I have come to terms, a little negative feedback and an official complaint to PayPal seems to have done the trick. He is supposed to be sending out a replacement lens today USPS priority so I should have it this week.

I also was able to get a Vivitar 2x Macro teleconverter from eBay that I plan to use with it and I was able to track down a set of Vivitar Auto Extension Tubes from Cameta Camera and just ordered them, supposed to be in mint condition. I am just hoping that all the players in this ensamble play nicely with each other.

If this works out like I am hoping it will, then I should effectively have a 210mm macro setup with tubes, I should be able to see the individual eyes on the dragonflies and the smallest granules of pollen on the flowers. And get some very interesting abstracts as well.

My only concern however is the lighting. Aside from the AF360, well that is pretty much all that I have. I was thinking of getting the VIV6000 Macro Rin Flash which is not too bad price wise, anyone have any experience with one?

I really love Nikons R1 setup with the 2 lights, but not happy about the price. I wonder if there is a cheaper way to make something like that for the Pentax mount...

[Peter Zack]

Budda, Now this is a bit off the wall and only suitable for studio/still life shooting at home. Not very portable and you wouldn't be seen dead in public with it. So I offer it for what it's worth only because you are going to be so close to the subject with the setup you described that a conventional ring flash may have trouble.

The R1 looks great and I'd also welcome others techinques and tools for close macros.

I saw a totally cheapo idea once on the net some time ago and it's one of my 'round to it's'. (that list is long...). It was a home made ring flash. Advantage is cheap and you can make it any size you need. You can use your AF360 with the off camera cables and for about $15.00 and yer done. The idea was simple. Take a smallish plastic mixing bowl, then take a short 2-3" peice of black PVC tube about the same diameter as the lens. With a couple of L brackets and contact cement you fix the tube in the dead center of the bottom of the bowl. then cut out the hole in the bottom to allow access to the tube. On one side of the bowl cut a hole large enough for the flash to point into the bowl at a 90 degree angle to the tube. He used a rod with a threaded end bolted through the bowl next to the flash and used a velcro strap to fix the flash in place. Then also added a square plastic collar from a tupperware container that was the right shape to hold the flash securely. Spray paint the outside black and inside of the assembly with silver paint or line it with tin foil and you have a ring flash. To fit the lens in the tube, line the tube with some dense foam that makes a snug fit.

The neat idea was you could make various sizes depending on the requirements and you can add another flash if needed etc.

Just don't go out in public with it cause your new apartment will have padded walls and I think they only allow you one phone call from the place the authorities will take you to live...

I wonder now, will anyone ever take me seriously after posting this....

[PeterAM]

That arrangement sounds like the way your dog looks when he comes back from the vet with the lampshade around his neck

[Buddha Jones]

Peter #1, I think Peter #2 is right. As good of a plan as that may be, it sounds a bit to cumbersome for my liking, but thanks very much for the response, I am sure someone will see it and give it a whirl.

[MRRiley]

The "small" dog neck ring might be just the thing. Find a translucent piece of white plastic sheeting (thick enough to hold shape but not so thick as to not be flexible. Use a dog neck ring as a template and cut out the same shape. Leave a couple of tabs that can be rubber banded around the lens. Tape some reflective foil along one half or 3/4 of the cone. Orient this side away from the flash. Aim flash at open side. This MIGHT make it work like a sort of a light tent and provide semi-even ring-like lighting.

I havn't tried this but may work up a prototype and see how/if it works.

[keithlester]

Not to gainsay any of the other advice you have been given, the Vivitar 5000 ring flash is a handy little toy, and will do exactly what you think it should, flat even frontal lighting, great for many types of macro work. Add a hand-held flash off to one side and you can achieve quite good realistic modelling.

Oh, and it's cheap. Did I forget to say that.

[kenyee]

What was wrong w/ your 105mm Viv S1? The packaging was totally new...

[Buddha Jones]

Kenyee - It was defective from the manufacturer and Trader Jim is replacing it.

I am sure I will think of something once I get all the pieces together and do some test shots to see what I am really getting, then I can work to fix the flaws.

What I really need to do is plant a garden so I can attract some 'models'.

[Buddha Jones]

Hey, check this out!! eBay: Wireless Trigger Twin Macro Flash Combo for DSLR SLR (item 170123278354 end time Jun-25-07 00:53:01 PDT)

[dufruf]

That ebay store has several interesting flash items. That dual flash looks like it might be just the ticket for macro. Does any one have eperience with this or any of the sellers other products?

Mike